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TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT

BONE CARE CLINIC | DR. VINAY KUMARASWAMY | BANGALORE INDIA

Total shoulder replacement (TSR), also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the damaged or diseased parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. The surgery aims to relieve pain, restore motion and function, and improve the quality of life for patients with severe shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, or other degenerative conditions that have not responded to conservative treatment.
 

Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint:
 

The shoulder joint, also called the glenohumeral joint, is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the upper arm bone (humerus) to the shoulder blade (scapula). The ball-shaped head of the humerus fits into a shallow socket in the scapula called the glenoid. The joint is surrounded by a capsule of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that help support and move the joint. The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons that attach the muscles of the shoulder to the bones and help stabilize and rotate the arm.
 

Indications for Total Shoulder Replacement:
 

Total shoulder replacement may be recommended for patients with:

  • Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear arthritis that causes the cartilage to break down, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the joint lining and can lead to joint destruction.

  • Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: A condition where a rotator cuff tear causes the humeral head to migrate upward, causing arthritis and pain.

  • Avascular Necrosis: A condition where the blood supply to the humeral head is disrupted, leading to bone death and collapse.

  • Trauma: Severe fractures or dislocations of the shoulder joint that cannot be repaired with other procedures.
     

Bone Care Clinic Logo

BONE CARE CLINIC

DR. VINAY KUMARASWAMY
MS, DNB, MNAMS, MRCS Edin UK, MNAMS, FASM [ISAKOS]

KNEE CARE | ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY
| ACL RECONSTRUCTION | KNEE LIGAMENT SURGERY
| PCL, MCL, PLC RECONSTRUCTION
| ACL RECONSTRUCTION WITH INTERNAL BRACING
| ARTHROSCOPIC MENISCUS SURGERY
| TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT | JOINT REPLACEMENT
| HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY SURGERY
| PARTIAL KNEE REPLACEMENT

SHOULDER CARE | SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY
| BANKART REPAIR | REMPLISSAGE SURGERY
|ARTHROSCOPIC LATARJET SURGERY
|ARTHROSCOPIC ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR
|ARTHROSCOPIC SUPRASPINATUS, INFRASPINATUS, SUBSCAPULARIS REPAIR | SHOULDER REPLACEMENT
| SHOULDER HEMIREPLACEMENT
| REVERSE SHOULDER REPLACEMENT
|TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT
|SHOULDER TENDON TRANSFER SURGERIES

Procedure:
 

Total shoulder replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and may take about two hours to complete. The surgical team will make an incision in the front or back of the shoulder joint and separate the deltoid and pectoralis muscles to access the joint. The surgeon will then remove the damaged or diseased parts of the humerus and scapula and replace them with artificial components made of metal and plastic.
 

The humeral component consists of a metal stem that is inserted into the hollow center of the humerus bone and a metal ball that replaces the head of the humerus. The glenoid component is a plastic cup that is attached to the scapula bone and provides a smooth surface for the metal ball to glide against. The components are fixed in place using bone cement or press-fit technique.
 

Rehabilitation:
 

After surgery, the patient will spend some time in the recovery room and then be transferred to a hospital room for observation. The shoulder will be immobilized in a sling for several weeks to allow the soft tissues to heal. Physical therapy will be started soon after surgery to help restore shoulder range of motion and strength. The patient will gradually increase the range of motion and strength exercises as they heal.
 

Risks and Complications:
 

Total shoulder replacement surgery is generally safe, but as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with it. These may include:

  • Infection: The risk of infection is low, but if it occurs, it may require antibiotics or additional surgery to treat.

  • Blood Clots: Blood clots can form in the veins of the legs and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

  • Nerve Damage: Injury to the nerves around the shoulder joint can cause weakness or numbness in the arm or hand.

  • Loosening or Dislocation of the Components: The artificial components may loosen or dislocate over time, requiring revision surgery.

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After the surgery, patients usually need to stay in the hospital for a few days, during which time they will be closely monitored by the medical staff. Physical therapy will also begin during this time to help regain strength, mobility, and range of motion in the affected shoulder.
 

Over time, patients will continue to work with a physical therapist to build strength and mobility, and it may take several months for the shoulder to fully heal and for the patient to regain full use of their arm. It is important for patients to follow their doctor's instructions carefully, including any physical therapy or exercise routines, in order to ensure the best possible outcome.
 

Our clinic, led by Dr. Vinay, is equipped with the latest technology and staffed with highly trained medical professionals who are dedicated to providing personalized care to each patient. Dr. Vinay is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in performing shoulder replacements, including total shoulder replacements.
 

Dr. Vinay uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient, and he works closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals. He also believes in educating his patients about their condition and treatment options so that they can make informed decisions about their care.
 

Our clinic offers a range of services to help patients throughout the entire process, from diagnosis to recovery. We have a state-of-the-art imaging center that allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as an on-site physical therapy department to help patients regain strength and mobility following surgery.
 

In addition, we offer personalized care and support throughout the entire process, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative rehabilitation. Our goal is to provide each patient with the highest level of care and support so that they can achieve the best possible outcome and get back to living their life to the fullest.
 

In conclusion, total shoulder replacement is a highly effective treatment option for patients who suffer from severe shoulder pain and dysfunction. It can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life for patients who have exhausted other treatment options. If you are experiencing shoulder pain or dysfunction, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vinay and our team at our clinic to learn more about your treatment options and how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome.

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